Valley of 1000 Hills

The Outer West area of the city of Durban as a whole extends from Kloof inland and includes the beautiful Valley of 1000 Hills, up the winding and picturesque Botha’s Hill. Botha’s Hill, midway between the beaches of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal provincial capital Pietermaritzburg, enjoys the most commanding views on the coastal side of the Drakensberg. At about 800m above sea level, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the berg and the ships on the Indian Ocean.

Overlooking the world-famous Valley of 1000 Hills with its living Zulu museum and many other cultural and natural attractions.

The breathtaking Valley of a Thousand Hills is an exciting component of Durban and South Africa’s province of KwaZulu-Natal – the Kingdom of the Zulu. The Valley of 1000 Hills is one of those few holiday destinations that has something for everyone. Unspoilt nature, wildlife, magnificent scenery, wining and dining, and warm country hospitality just a half an hour’s drive from the center of Durban. The area is named after the thousands of hills which tumble down to the mighty Umgeni River, which flows from the distant Drakensberg Mountains to the warm inviting Indian Ocean.

The Valley of 1000 Hills is named after the many hills, cliffs and valleys that rise up from the banks of the Umgeni River as it flows from the distant Drakensberg Mountains to the Indian Ocean. The diverse area combines the luxury of laid-back country living with an ancient, indigenous culture on its doorstep. The valley has been home to the Zulu people for centuries, with many continuing to practice and live out their unique traditional lifestyle. The Valley of 1000 Hills is KwaZulu-Natal’s doorway, situated close to the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean as well as the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands further inland. On the crest of the hills overlooking the valley are leafy suburbs and village centers, which have astonishing views and a year-round holiday climate of warm summers and cool winters.

These villages offer all the creature comforts one would expect from a safari destination, including spas, B&Bs, fine dining, sophisticated shopping centers, outdoor adventure and local arts and crafts unique to the area. If you’re looking for a break from the fast pace of everyday life or the exhilaration of the outdoors, the Valley of 1000 Hills is the place for you.

Start with a guided tour to one of the rural areas, where one can learn about customs, beliefs, and general way of life. Visit a ‘Sangoma’, talk with a village elder or enjoy a local meal. You will come away having a better understanding of the intricate culture of the local people. The local Safari entity offers curio’s, a reptile park and one can enjoy a traditional Zulu dance.

Relax at one of the great B&B’s or boutique hotels in the area, visit any number of upmarket shopping centers or dine at one of the specialty restaurants that are available or even take in a live show. The adventurous can embark on a nature trail, either guided or alone, through any of the many Nature reserves. Alternatively try a little rock climbing, canoeing or fishing at any of the three dams in the area. Horse riding, quad biking and trail cycling are all close at hand.

Take home a little of the 1000 Hills when you visit the local craft markets and support the local weavers and bead manufacturer’s. Annual events such as the Comrades Marathon, the Amashova Durban Classic and the Duzi Canoe Marathon all wend their way through this picturesque area drawing visitors from across the globe. Every Saturday morning the local ‘Farmers market’ takes place and is a must for any visitor.

Art galleries, botanical gardens, museums, craft markets, micro breweries and a wealth of history of the region scattered around the area. In all “We’ve got it’. On certain Sundays, one can take a trip back in time on one of the last remaining “Puffing Billy’s” that puffs through the thousand hills. A short little snippet of what you can experience when you visit 1000 Hills.